Which test for UK Settlement/spouse Visa

[malct]

Hi, I have been looking on the net for my friend who is due to get married in Thailand in April and he needs to know which English test his Girlfriend needs to do.

His girlfriend is in the UK on a Visitors Visa at the moment and she is hoping to do the test in the UK before she goes back to Thailand.

We understood that she is required only to do the A1 speaking and listening test, but my friend now thinks she needs to do the B1 test which is harder, plus more work involved.

Can someone confirm which test she needs to do for a UK Settlement/spouse Visa.

Regards

Malc

[PeeJay1959]

IELTS A1 life skills at an approved SELT centre for the initial visa, then A2 2.5 years later, then finally 2.5 years after that B1.

Edited February 10, 2016 by PeeJay1959

[malct]

Thank you for the quick reply.

I understand that only trinity are doing the test and its now £150

[PeeJay1959]

Yes in the UK Trinity are the only ones. Check their website for approved centres.

[rasg]

My GF did hers on Monday.

CEFR A1 was the test she did at Trinity College in Hammersmith. She was a little nervous and insisted that I went with her and they threw me out. Not just from the reception area. I had to leave the building!

It's six minutes long and really just a general chat and they show you a few photos and ask what the people in the photos are doing or not doing.

The three examples on YouTube are worth taking a look at but they go back to 2012 and they are either marking down or they have changed the criterion a little. She passed with a C which is enough to pass and I think her pronunciation was why she was marked down a little. So many letters in the English language that are difficult for thai people. They don't seem to make allowances.

Here is a link to the UK test centres.

http://www.trinitycollege.com/site/?id=3218

Edited February 10, 2016 by rasg

[blackcab]

IELTS A1 life skills at an approved SELT centre for the initial visa, then A2 2.5 years later, then finally 2.5 years after that B1.

Assuming your partner is capable, is it possible for them to take the B1 test straight away and then use that test result all the way through the process?

[malct]

Thank you for all the comments and advice, she has been watching the videos on you tube. My wife did her test in 2011 in Preston and passed with merits. Unsure what would happen if you take the other tests well before their due dates.

Edited February 10, 2016 by malct

[bobrussell]

IELTS A1 life skills at an approved SELT centre for the initial visa, then A2 2.5 years later, then finally 2.5 years after that B1.

Assuming your partner is capable, is it possible for them to take the B1 test straight away and then use that test result all the way through the process?

If the partner can discuss what has happened that day, describe how she feels about it and can talk about her hopes and plans for the future (in English!), then it may well be worthwhile going straight for B1. Most, if not all centres do a short preparatory session on the day of the test.

YouTube has plenty of examples. If the confidence is not there (even if competent) then stick to A1 (or A2 which is now needed for FLR). Depends on how good the English skills are. None of the tests are rocket science but sometimes stress causes problems.

Edited February 10, 2016 by bobrussell

[dan1]

You can also do the test through the British council

https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/ielts-ukvi/prepare-ielts-life-skills

[dan1]

Yes in the UK Trinity are the only ones. Check their website for approved centres.

https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/ielts-ukvi/prepare-ielts-life-skills

[theoldgit]

Yes in the UK Trinity are the only ones. Check their website for approved centres.

https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/ielts-ukvi/prepare-ielts-life-skills

That's the generic IELTS details from the British Council.

This is the website of Trinity http://www.trinitycollege.com/site/?id=3218 you can book, and pay for, the test directly from their site.

[7by7]

It is perfectly ok to take the test while in the UK on a standard visit visa, but she can only study for it up to a maximum of 30 days, provided the conditions of Permitted study are complied with.

Click here for the UKVI list of approved test providers, tests and tests centres

Test centres in the UK are on page 2 and those in Thailand are on page 8.

Assuming your partner is capable, is it possible for them to take the B1 test straight away and then use that test result all the way through the process?

Currently any pass which has previously been used in a successful visa or leave to remain application can be used again in any subsequent one, provided it is the required grade of course; even if the pass certificate has expired or the provider is no longer on the approved list.

I say 'currently' because, of course, the government could change this in the future, so check before applying.

Edited February 11, 2016 by 7by7

[malct]

Thank you all for your input, I have passed all the information on to my friend who is arranging a test for his GF in Cardiff

Regards

Malc

[PeeJay1959]

Currently any pass which has previously been used in a successful visa or leave to remain application can be used again in any subsequent one, provided it is the required grade of course; even if the pass certificate has expired or the provider is no longer on the approved list.

I say 'currently' because, of course, the government could change this in the future, so check before applying.

Yes I am sure they will close that one up soon, anything to make life more difficult:bah: